Assistant Director, Donor Relations - Stewardship Writing

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/6

Target hiring range for this position will be between $60.000-$64.000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Job Summary:

The assistant director of stewardship communications partners with development staff to acknowledge and recognize donors which includes tracking, assigning, writing, and dispatching correspondence that supports fundraising efforts and cultivates long-term donor loyalty and commitment.

The assistant director manages a portfolio of stewardship projects – particularly customized impact reports for gifts – writing, proofreading, editing, and formatting content for major and principal gift donors. The assistant director interacts directly with internal and external clients and administrators throughout the University to source content, as well as ensure fund set-up and spending adhere to donor intent.

Successful candidates are accomplished communications strategists who can proficiently conceptualize, write, and edit stewardship content, manipulate and analyze large datasets, think critically and creatively, and adeptly collaborate with colleagues.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Tracks the progress of stewardship materials from creation to dissemination, including content gathering, proofing/editing, reviewing, sending, and archiving.
• Involves a moderate level of collaboration with internal department partners and University partners in implementing and expanding existing relationships to accomplish strategic goals. Key partners in ARD include Schools & Programs, Major Gifts, and Marketing and Communications.
• Completes standard, routine stewardship correspondence as needed including items such as acknowledgment letters, holiday cards, plaques and signage, and notes to accompany gifts.
• Works with development staff to implement donor strategies that will maximize dollars raised & participation of donors.
• Manages 1 or more portions of the donor relations process providing stewardship to individuals or groups of donors.
• Recommends changes and improvements to maximize and ensure most efficient use of budget.

 

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 2 years development, nonprofit operations, communications, or the equivalent experience is required.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Education and experience)

• Exceptional interviewing, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and complete them under tight deadlines
• Strong collaboration skills
• Strategic thinking and creative thinking skills
• Proficient using Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience analyzing and manipulating large datasets in Excel

 

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://hr.northwestern.edu/benefits/ to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://hr.northwestern.edu/well-being/ to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://hr.northwestern.edu/talent-development/ to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

 

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